Car Repair Does Not Have To Drain Your Wallet: 4 Tips To Keep Your Wallet Full And Your Car Running

Car repairs can put a serious damper on your budget, but you cannot just neglect the maintenance and repairs. However, you don’t have to settle for sky-high bills that leave you struggling to buy groceries. With the right changes, you can reduce your repair bills and keep your car in top working condition.

Find the Right Mechanic

You need a mechanic who offers high-quality work, competitive rates and honest service. No, this isn’t a pipe dream. These professionals do exist, and they’re easier to find than you think. Start by calling the dealer to see what the garage hourly rate is up to. This gives you a reference point. Ask friends and family who they use. Call those referred garages and talk to the owners or managers. See how the hourly rates compare. Find out what kind of warranties they offer on labor. Ask if they use after-market or dealer parts. After-market is cheaper, but there are times when the dealer parts fit better and will work more efficiently. Once you have this information, you’ll find that it’s easier to choose the right mechanic.

Invest in Maintenance

Ignoring the mounting miles and necessary oil change will only lead to serious problems later. It’s far better to invest in regular maintenance than it is to have a blown engine. Follow the tips outlined in your owner’s manual to ensure that you’re giving the car the maintenance it needs. Pay attention to warning signs like changes in performance, vibrations and noises. Addressing minor problems early helps prevent them from turning into major issues.

Visit the Salvage Yard

If you’re doing work yourself, then you can opt for the salvage yard. You can find everything from missing seat belt buckles to entire engines in the scrap yard. Don’t assume that every part in the yard will be damaged, either. A car that was totaled out after a front-end collision will still have a perfect rear bumper. The prices are a fraction of what the dealer charges, so you can keep the extra money in your own account. Mike’s Auto Towing is one of the auto wreckers in Kamloops, and is a great example of all of the different options around the country. Make sure you’re ready to get your hands dirty though. Most of these types of places ask that you get the parts yourself.

What can you do Yourself?

Even if you don’t want to learn how to rebuild an engine and calibrate anything, you can still do some of the work yourself. Brakes and oil changes are two things that most people can handle doing on their own. You can learn how to replace your own wiper blades, filters and other items. Special manuals are available that detail how to perform some of these repairs to keep your car running for less.

Car repairs are a necessary evil, but they don’t have to break the bank. Use these tips to reduce the cost of vehicle maintenance and save money at the auto shop.

Tags: Auto Repair, Maintenance repair and operations

Category: Automotive